Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Bureau of Land Management created the Wild Horse and Burro Program to implement the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act (.pdf), passed by Congress in 1971. Broadly, the law declares wild horses and burros to be “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” and stipulates that the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service have the responsibility to manage and protect herds in their respective jurisdictions within areas where wild horses and burros were found roaming in 1971. Read more >>

Learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program:

• About wild horses and burros
• Program history
• Myths and facts
• Common questions from the public
• Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program
• Wild Horse and Burro Program data and statistics
• Maps

The BLM manages free-roaming wild horses and burros on public lands as part of its multiple-use mission, with the goal of supporting healthy wild horses and burros on healthy public rangelands.  The BLM is responsible for determining and maintaining appropriate management levels (AML) for each herd and works to achieve that population target through a variety of management processes, including limiting reproduction in some herds through the use of birth control and gathers that remove excess animals from the range. Read more >>

Learn more about:

• Maintaining range and herd health
• Wild horse and burro herd management areas
• Gather and removal actions
• Supported science and research

The BLM works to place excess animals into private care through its Adoption and Sales Programs as well as successful partnerships with organizations across the nation.  Many have found it personally challenging and rewarding to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro.  It is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage. Read more >>

Learn more about:

• How to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro
• Adoption Incentive Program
• Off-range corral adoption and purchase locations
• Wild horse and burro adoption and sale events
• Visiting and adopting or purchasing from a public off-range pasture
• Sale Program
• Frequently asked questions

There are many opportunities to get involved in the management and protection of America’s wild horses and burros.  The BLM relies on the advice and guidance of its National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, as well as the hard work and determination of thousands of volunteers, partners, donors and contractors. Read more >>

Learn more about: 

• National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board
• Educational resources about wild horses and burros
• Funding opportunities for off-range facilities and more
• Volunteer Service Program
• Other volunteering opportunities

Managing, protecting, and finding homes for America’s wild horses and burro is challenging as it is rewarding.  The BLM relies on the work of many partners to accomplish its mission of maintaining healthy wild horses and burros on healthy public lands. 

The BLM works with its partners to accomplish range and herd management goals; training and adopting excess wild horses and burros; raising awareness of the unique qualities and sustained privilege of owning a wild horses or burro; and many other activities to improve the lives of the animals. Read more >>

Learn more about: 

• Beaty Butte Wild Horse Gather, Fertility Control and Training Program
• Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Idaho 4-H
• Napa Mustang Days
• Florence Training and Holding Facility
• Little Book Cliffs Darting Team
• McCullough Peaks wild horse herd management area partnership
• Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center

The BLM strives to provide valuable information to the public regarding the Wild Horse and Burro Program, including wild horse and burro adoption and purchase opportunities, information about upcoming gathers and more. We also encourage you to report any inhumane treatment of adopted wild horses and burros. We value your feedback. 

Wild Horse and Burro Information Call Center
866-4MUSTANGS (866-468-7826)
wildhorse@blm.gov

Contact information for off-range corral facilities can be found on each facility webpage. 

Contact your local BLM state, district or field office for specific questions regarding submitting an adoption application, obtaining title and more. 

Photo credit: John Wheland